Articles

Valley Youth Theatre premieres “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical”

With the Arizona premiere of “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical,” Valley Youth Theatre takes a stand against bullying and bigotry, and reminds audiences that our...

AAP cautions pregnant women and breastfeeding moms against marijuana use

With marijuana now legal for medical or recreational use in half of the country, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges women to avoid the...

Moon magic: How kids can make their own impact craters

Look closely at the moon and you’ll see it’s covered with craters — some of them billions of years old. Ever wonder what caused...

Four reasons parents should vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6

Democracy is for those who show up --- and vote. You can find your polling location or check your voter registration status at the Elections...

“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” with a TheaterWorks twist

Ever wanted to go on a top-secret mission? Infiltrate an enemy submarine? Capture a deadly foe? Then you should see “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,”...

Upcycled Science: Create your own musical instrument

Traditionally made from the skeletons and spines of cacti, rainsticks recreate the sound of falling rain and were believed to be used by ancient...

Special-needs housing community to open this spring in north Phoenix

A 30-home special-needs housing development opening in spring 2019 hopes to give parents of grown children with special needs peace of mind. Luna Azul...

Q&A with Bobb Cooper as Valley Youth Theatre celebrates 30 years

A local institution, Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix boasts a surprising number of stars among its alumni, from Hollywood’s Emma Stone to Kimiko Glenn...

Essential reading for the girl-power trip

“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Nope, it’s not a chorus of the universal kids-in-cars whine. It’s me wondering if the girl empowerment...

Emily Dixon: 8 tips for quick and healthy family meals

"Too many of us are not eating together at home with family because we think it’s too hard” to prepare meals, says Gilbert mom...

A healthy tray every day: Local chefs help improve school lunches

Chef Charleen Badman, who dazzles grownups at her Scottsdale restaurant, last year expanded her wizardry to include younger, more pedestrian diners. The five-time James...

Colten Cowell Foundation brings “Batcave” magic to kids in need of compassion

What kid wouldn’t want to feel like a superhero? Thanks to a couple of dedicated people at the Colten Cowell Foundation in Phoenix, lots...

What to do when reading is a chore

My 7-year-old son hates to read, but he loves books. He’ll sit in his room for hours, paging through volumes. Most car rides start with...

Childsplay brings “Charlotte’s Web” to Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix

Wilbur, the lovable piglet with the unlikely but wise and winsome spider friend named Charlotte, is back on stage this season in downtown Phoenix. Childsplay presents...

Inclusive preschool benefits typically developing kids and those with autism

About 130 children attend inclusive preschool programs at Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center Community Schools in Phoenix and Tempe, where typically developing children...

6 tips for better communication with your child’s teacher

It’s the only first month of school, but already you have one of those phone messages or emails you dread: Your child’s teacher is...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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